Donate Life Week
Being DonateLife Week, I thought now was the right time to share my story , a journey that has completely changed my life over the past two years.
In April 2023, after feeling unwell for a while, I finally went to the doctor and had some routine blood tests done. I honestly didn’t think much of it and had almost forgotten about it the next day, until I got a phone call that stopped me in my tracks. The doctor told me to go straight to the hospital, they were already expecting me.
Once I arrived, I was told I was in kidney failure. My kidney function had dropped to just 6%. It was an overwhelming shock. There was no history of kidney disease in my family, and I didn’t know much about kidney health at all. In my mind, I thought I’d be given some antibiotics and be sent home. Instead, I was admitted, underwent a kidney biopsy, and was told my kidneys were very small and heavily scarred.
The next day, I had ports placed into my body and I started dialysis, a reality that became my new normal for the next 10 months. I was on dialysis seven days a week, eight hours each night. I was literally attached to a life-saving machine while I went through all the tests to become eligible for a kidney transplant. Not long after, I was officially placed on the Organ Donor Register.
In this time, I was unable to work, and my amazing sister was undergoing testing to see if she was a compatible match for organ donation, something I would never have imagined needing, let alone accepting from someone so close to me. The thought that she was willing to go through such a process to give me a chance at life was overwhelming.
Thankfully, I had incredible support from my family and friends, along with the amazing dialysis nurses who helped me through some of my darkest days. Their kindness, encouragement, and quiet strength reminded me that I wasn’t alone, even when everything felt uncertain.
In February 2024 I received the call that would change my life, there was a kidney that was an almost perfect match for me and I needed to make my way to the hospital the next morning for my transplant. Although this was the moment I had been waiting and hoping for, it came with a deep sense of sadness. I knew that somewhere in Australia, a family was grieving the loss of someone they loved. Their decision to say yes to organ donation in the midst of their heartbreak gave me a second chance at life, something I will never take for granted. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them and honour their incredible gift.
Organ donation is the ultimate act of generosity, a gift that can save and transform lives. During DonateLife Week, we’re encouraged to have the conversation that could one day save someone’s life. By registering as an organ and tissue donor and letting your loved ones know your wishes, you could give hope to the 1,800 Australians currently waiting for a life-saving transplant. It only takes a minute to sign up, but its impact can last a lifetime. Visit donatelife.gov.au to learn more and register today. 💗
Organ donation hasn’t just changed my life, it’s given me my life back. It’s allowed me to be present with my family again, to return to work, to make plans, and to look forward to the future with hope instead of fear. The exhaustion and uncertainty that came with daily dialysis have been replaced with freedom. For my loved ones, especially family and friends who were with me every step of the way, it’s been a gift beyond words. We’ve all been given a second chance, and it’s one we cherish every single day.
To my donor and their family who I will never know, I’m so thankful to them everyday. They chose compassion when they themselves were grieving. know that one of the best days of my life will always be their worst , and I carry that truth with me always. To honour them, I will forever spread awareness of their incredible gift, and the power of saying “yes” to organ donation.
During DonateLife Week, I encourage everyone to register as a donor and have the conversation with your loved ones. Because one decision, made in the most difficult moment, gave me the chance to keep living, and that’s a gift I’ll never stop being grateful for.